OpenHouse 2018: The ultimate weekend of architecture in Limerick

OpenHouse Limerick opened its doors last Friday, October 19, to the public who were encouraged to explore and understand the value of a well-built environment.

The festival has taken place across Limerick city and county for the past seven years, with the theme for this year’s event being “Architecture is Community.”

Maria Donoghue, Chair Person at OpenHouse Limerick said: “Every year we have a different theme and we try to look at what the power of architecture is or what it can do.

“We try to look at it from a broader prospective instead of saying that it’s about housing or theatre spaces. Last year‘s theme was ’Architecture is story’, where people’s stories, buildings and spaces were looked at.

“But this year’s festival focused more on bringing people inside these buildings that have been built together,” Maria said.

The aim was to open up a conversation around the value of architecture and its role in the community of Limerick, as well as to show how space is used by different community groups.

“The purpose of the festival is that you get to go into buildings that you will never normally get the opportunity to, it could be private houses; large or heritage buildings.

“It brings Limerick to the people as we try to let people in behind the walls and make them seem that they are part of it,” she added.